The Immigrant Memory Collaborative
The Immigrant Memory Collaborative is a community-university partnership between ACER and researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
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This collaborative includes two projects so far: The African Immigrant Memory Loss Project and The African Immigrant Dementia Education Projects (AIDEP). AIDEP project builds on the results of the African Immigrant Memory Loss Project.
The African Immigrant Memory Loss Project was created to understand the dementia care experiences, needs, and resources among African immigrants. That project began with culturally sensitive community conversations around dementia, which informed a community survey. The survey was implemented in-person and virtually in 2021 and 2022. Following data analyses, the results were disseminated through community-based organizations, in-person results celebration events, and virtually through Facebook and Zoom livestream sessions.
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The Second project, the AIDEP, is ongoing. The AIDEP involves working with the community to develop culturally tailored dementia education. Interviews with key community leaders and community conversations led to the identification of dementia knowledge and cultural components to include in the education program and a book "Memory and Dementia Education".
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The curriculum is currently being piloted in the community, and the program is available to the African immigrant community.
Community members and leaders are invited to inquire or request a presentation on dementia education by contacting the IMC.
